It is imperative to collectively strive for improving coal quality and productivity, besides reducing the cost of production to be competitive for sustainable growth of the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), said Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy.

The SCCL with 136-year-old glorious history is a prized possession for Telangana and the entire country, he remarked, calling for renewed focus on protecting Singareni (SCCL) with a workforce of around 40,000 to 50,000, providing livelihood to thousands of families directly and indirectly.

Mr. Reddy addressed the ‘Atmiya Sammelanam’ of coal workers on the premises of the 74-year-old PVK-5 underground coal mine near Kothagudem on the second day of his visit to the coal town on Sunday.

Pointing out that the price of SCCL’s coal is higher compared to other coal companies, he said, “You are aware of the financial status of the SCCL. The need of the hour is concerted efforts by all Singarenians to bring down cost of production, improve productivity and quality of coal.”

“I am always ready to extend any kind of support to the SCCL,” the Union Minister said, adding, “All of us including me, the Chief Minister, the company’s CMD and each coal worker are part of the Singareni family.”

“A false propaganda is being carried out saying the SCCL is going to be privatised. It is absolutely false. Singareni belongs to the workers and it is the wish of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the first share in the company’s profits should reach the workers,” he said.

He said that coal-fired power accounts for 74% of India’s total electricity generation. All coal companies should strictly adhere to zero-accident mine policy. ₹1 crore accident insurance cover has been provided to 4 lakh coal mine workers across the country.

The Central government is promoting coal gasification projects, he said, referring to the potential of coal gasification technology for enhancing energy security, reducing imports and achieving environmental sustainability.